Newport: Fence around grass verge deemed harmful to amenity
The applicant of Pepys Grove, Newport, applied to change the use of a grass verge to residential land and to keep a 1.8m high fence enclosing the verge.
However, the application was refused, with the decision report citing "significant adverse impacts to highway safety and visual amenity."
The fence was found to obstruct pedestrian views at a junction, raising safety concerns.
Highways officials suggested lowering or relocating the fence 2m back, but the current setup was deemed unsafe.
The fence also reportedly replaced a grass verge, disrupting the street's character.
Its scale, design, and position were described as harmful to the visual appearance and contrary to Local Development Plan policies GP2 and GP6.
The verge's loss and the likely removal of a street tree also drew objections from the landscape officer.
Although the application stated no trees were affected, aerial images seemed to differ.
However, as the tree removal happened before new Green Infrastructure (GI) requirements came into effect in October 2023, no replacement planting was sought.
Letters were sent to 10 neighbours and the ward member, but no responses were received.
Both the highways and landscape officers objected to the plans.
The site is currently under an active enforcement investigation, which likely led to the retrospective application.
The refusal was based on breaches of policies GP2 (General Amenity), GP4 (Highways), and GP6 (Design) of the Newport Local Development Plan 2011–2026.
National planning guidance and "Future Wales" policies on good design and biodiversity were also considered.
The application was finalised after a consultation period that ended on January 8, 2025, with the statutory expiry date being April 7, 2025.
Photographs included in the decision report showed the previous and current arrangements, supporting the decision to refuse the application.
The refusal highlights the importance of adhering to planning regulations and considering the wider community and environmental impact of property modifications.
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